With several teams looking for help on the goalie market, we’ve seen several veterans speculated as possible fits, including John Gibson, Jake Allen, and Kaapo Kahkonen, among others. But some teams appear to be aiming higher as David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that at least two teams have called the Flames about the potential availability of veteran netminder Jacob Markstrom.
The 33-year-old is in his fourth season with Calgary after signing with them as an unrestricted free agent back in 2020. Since then, his performance has run somewhat hot and cold with years of being in the top ten statistically and one – last season – where he had a save percentage well below the league average, checking in at just .892.
This season, Markstrom has been fairly inconsistent as well but a good showing lately has elevated his season numbers to a GAA of 2.67 and a save percentage of .908, numbers that are a considerable improvement over a year ago. However, the Flames find themselves on the outside looking in at a playoff spot heading into tonight’s action, fueling speculation that GM Craig Conroy could be one of the more prominent sellers over the next couple of months.
That said, many of the speculative moves Calgary could make revolve around veterans on expiring contracts which is not the case with Markstrom. He has two more seasons left after this one at a $6MM price tag, one that wouldn’t be the easiest for many playoff-bound teams to fit in on their books. While retention is possible, multi-year retention doesn’t happen too often and there’s no guarantee that Conroy would be open to the idea. It’s also worth noting that Markstrom has a full no-move clause.
Calgary has top prospect Dustin Wolf biding his time in the minors with the Wranglers and he is clearly their goalie of the future. While many have wondered if Daniel Vladar would be the one to move to make room for Wolf on the roster, it’s also possible that the Flames take the bigger step and deal their current starter. If Conroy decides to make Markstrom available, it’s quite likely that a few more teams will be looking to inquire about the cost over the coming weeks.
Brian, in spite of the stats, Markstrom has likely been the best player on the Flames this season. Anyone can be traded but I don’t see Markstrom going.
Markstrom runs hot and cold – he’ll spend two weeks standing on his head, then you’ll see him let in a couple long goals in the first period the next. If the interest is there, move him, and if possible retain salary to increase the return.
If I’m a club in the top 8 and planning a long run,I would steer clear of him.
If they had interest trade this guy and fire sale
The Oilers broke him 2 years ago in the playoffs.
Markstrom to the Canes or Devils makes some sense. Not sure how to make it work entirely as I’m not aware of their cap or assets.
But it makes sense for two teams in “win now” mode for a year and a half with mediocre goaltending and an Eastern conference team
Really depends on when Andersen actually returns and if he will stay healthy. If its not that long and will be permanent, he and Kotchetkov should be enough.
If anyone is offering anything of value. Time to move on to Dustin Wolf.
Markstrom ($1M retained) and Tanev (1/2 salary) to the Devils for Bratt.
This should spark a few comments! LOL
Bratts worth more then 2 old dudes on the back 9 of their careers. Add Zary or their 1st rounder then maybe the Devils GM doesn’t slam the phone
“Fairly inconsistent” is really not a good take on Markstrom’s season. The Flames have struggled to switch to a zone D. His saves above expected is #1 in the league. And he’s really only had one bad year and one bad playoff series with the Flames.
Markstrom is overrated. If teams are interested Flames need to trade him ASAP. Markstrom let’s in way too many soft.ones and the book is out on him. Shoot high because Markstrom is always on his knees
His GSAx is top ten… not No.1.
Full no movement clause eh? Treliving gives those out like candy lol